Patent application title: INITIATING ROUTER FUNCTIONS

Abstract:

A method of initiating router functions includes providing a router device
having an integrated user interface having a user control and an
indicator. From the router device, a first data link to a wide area
network is established. From the router device, a second data link to
enable a local area network is established. Via the indicator, state
information regarding the first and second data links is communicated. It
is determined if the user control has been activated. Upon detecting that
the user control has been activated one or both of the first and second
data links are modified. Information indicating the modification is
communicated via the indicator.

Claims:

1. A method of initiating router functions, comprising:providing a router
device having an integrated user interface having a user control and an
indicator;establishing, from the router device, a first data link to a
wide area network;establishing, from the router device, a second data
link to enable a local area network;communicating, via the indicator,
state information regarding the first and second data links;determining
if the user control has been activated;modifying one or both of the first
and second data links upon a determination that the user control has been
activated;communicating, via the indicator, information indicating the
modification.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:modifying comprises modifying the first
data link by connecting to or disconnecting from the first data link;
andcommunicating, via the indicator, information indicating the
modification includes communicating information indicating the
disconnection.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein:modifying comprises disconnecting from
the first data link and establishing, from the router device, a third
data link to the wide area network; andcommunicating, via the indicator,
information indicating modification includes communicating information
indicating the disconnection of the fist data link and the establishment
of the third data link.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein:modifying comprises enabling or
disabling wireless communication for the local area network;
andcommunicating, via the indicator, information indicating the
modification includes communicating information indicating the enabling
or disabling of wireless communication.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein:modifying comprises enabling or
disabling anonymous usage of wireless communication in the local area
network; andcommunicating, via the indicator, information indicating the
modification includes communicating information indicating the enabling
or disabling of anonymous usage.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein:modifying comprises blocking a
particular user from accessing the local area network; andcommunicating,
via the indicator, information indicating the modification includes
communicating information indicating the blocking of the particular user.

8. A computer readable medium having computer executable instructions, the
instructions being executable by a router device having an integrated
user interface having a user control and an indicator, wherein the medium
includes instructions for:establishing, from the router device, a first
data link to a wide area network;establishing, from the router device, a
second data link to enable a local area network;communicating, via the
indicator, state information regarding the first and second data
links;determining if the user control has been activated;modifying one or
both of the first and second data links upon a determination that the
user control has been activated;communicating, via the indicator,
information indicating the modification.

9. The medium of claim 8, wherein:the instructions for modifying include
instructions for modifying the first data link by connecting to or
disconnecting from the first data link; andthe instructions for
communicating, via the indicator, information indicating the modification
include instructions for communicating information indicating the
disconnection.

10. The medium of claim 8, wherein:the instructions for modifying include
instructions for disconnecting from the first data link and establishing,
from the router device, a third data link to the wide area network;
andthe instructions for communicating, via the indicator, information
indicating modification include instructions for communicating
information indicating the disconnection of the fist data link and the
establishment of the third data link.

11. The medium of claim 8, wherein:the instructions for modifying include
instructions for enabling or disabling wireless communication for the
local area network; andthe instructions for communicating, via the
indicator, information indicating the modification include instructions
for communicating information indicating the enabling or disabling of
wireless communication.

12. The medium of claim 8, wherein:the instructions for modifying include
instructions for enabling or disabling anonymous usage of wireless
communication in the local area network; andthe instructions for
communicating, via the indicator, information indicating the modification
include instructions for communicating information indicating the
enabling or disabling of anonymous usage.

13. The medium of claim 8, wherein:the instructions for modifying include
instructions for blocking a particular user from accessing the local area
network; andthe instructions for communicating, via the indicator,
information indicating the modification include instructions for
communicating information indicating the blocking of the particular user.

14. The medium of claim 8, wherein:the instructions for modifying include
instructions for setting a maximum data transfer rate representing a
bandwidth ceiling for the router device; andthe instructions for
communicating, via the indicator, information indicating the modification
include instructions for communicating information indicating the set
maximum data transfer rate.

15. A device for routing communications between clients and the internet
comprising, comprising:an integrated user interface having a user control
and an indicator;a connector configured to communicate with a first data
exchanger to establish, from the router device, a first data link to a
wide area network;a local network interface configured to establish, from
the router device, a second data link to enable a local area network;a
communication engine configured to communicate, via the indicator, state
information regarding the first and second data links;a control engine
configured to determine if the user control has been activated;a state
engine operable to modify one or both of the first and second data links
upon a determination that the user control has been activated;the
communication engine being configured to communicate, via the indicator,
information indicating the modification.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein:the state engine is configured to
modify by causing the router device to connect to or disconnecting from
the first data link; andthe communication engine is configured to
communicate, via the indicator, information indicating the disconnection.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein:the state engine is configured to
modify by causing the router device to disconnecting from the first data
link and establishing, from the router device, a third data link to the
wide area network; andthe communication engine is configured to
communicate, via the indicator, information indicating the disconnection
of the fist data link and the establishment of the third data link.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein:the state engine is configured to
modify by enabling or disabling wireless communication for the local area
network; andthe communication engine is configured to communicate, via
the indicator, information indicating the enabling or disabling of
wireless communication.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein:the state engine is configured to
modify by enabling or disabling anonymous usage of wireless communication
in the local area network; andthe communication engine is configured to
communicate, via the indicator, information indicating the enabling or
disabling of anonymous usage.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein:the state engine is configured to
modify by blocking a particular user from accessing the local area
network; andthe communication engine is configured to communicate, via
the indicator, information indicating the blocking of the particular
user.

21. The system of claim 15, wherein:the state engine is configured to
modify by setting a maximum data transfer rate representing a bandwidth
ceiling for the router device; andthe communication engine is configured
to communicate, via the indicator, information indicating the set maximum
data transfer rate.

22. A device for routing communications between clients and the internet
comprising:an integrated user interface having a user control and an
indicator;means for establishing, from the router device, a first data
link to a wide area network;means for establishing, from the router
device, a second data link to enable a local area network;means for
communicating, via the indicator, state information regarding the first
and second data links;means for determining if the user control has been
activated;means for modifying one or both of the first and second data
links upon a determination that the user control has been activated;means
for communicating, via the indicator, information indicating the
modification.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims the priority of provisional applications
60/949,582 entitled "Initiating Router Functions" and 60/949,585 entitled
"Alternative Use of Router Indicator Lights" both filed Jul. 13, 2007 and
each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. This application is
also a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 11/673,956 entitled
"Hotspot Communication Limiter" filed Feb. 12, 2007 which is incorporated
herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Computers and other devices are linked in a local data network (LAN)
by a router. That router also enables those devices to communicate over a
wide area data network (WAN) such as the internet. The LAN may be wired,
wireless, or some combination of wired and wireless. The WAN connection
may be wired or wireless. Examples of wireless WANs include, but are not
limited to cellular data networks and IEEE 802.16 data networks.

[0003]Router configuration is generally accomplished using a computer
interacting with the router. The router includes an embedded web server
that allows a user to access one or more configuration pages with a
standard web browser. For example, the user may be able to change the
security parameters, change passwords or perform any other configuration
of the router's functions. These web pages may provide status information
about the configuration of the router, the current network traffic
patterns, the speed of the network and so forth. The pages may also allow
the user to initiate or otherwise allow local network connections between
the router and various client devices. If the router is configured to
communicate over a wireless WAN, the user may use the pages to instruct
the cellular router to initiate the wireless WAN connection with a
cellular data network.

[0004]A web interface serves many users well. However, it would prove
advantageous if certain router functions, especially those unique to
capable of wiles WAN communications, could be initiated from the router
itself without requiring a user interface provided through second device
on the network.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary block diagrams of environments
in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented.

[0006]FIGS. 3-5 and 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 8A-8D are diagrams showing
physical and logical components of a router device according to an
embodiment of the present invention.

[0007]FIG. 9 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating steps taken in
performance of various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008]Introduction: Various embodiments described below integrate user
controls in a router's enclosure. Activation of each user control causes
the router to instigate an action. Such actions can include connecting to
or or disconnecting from a wireless WAN, allowing or disallowing LAN
connections, and causing the router to communicate configuration or state
information to the user.

[0010]LAN data link 18 interconnects router device 10 and clients 12, 14,
16. LAN data link 18 represents generally a cable, wireless, or remote
link via a telecommunication link, an infrared link, a radio frequency
link, or any other connector or system that provides electronic
communication between devices 10, 12, 14, and 16. The path followed by
link 18 between devices 10, 12, 14, and 16 in the schematic view of FIG.
1 represents the logical communication path between these devices, not
necessarily the physical path between the devices. Devices 10, 12, 14,
and 16 can be connected at any point and the appropriate communication
path established logically between the devices.

[0011]Environment 1 also includes data exchanger 20 and service provider
22. Data exchanger 20 represents generally any combination of hardware
and programming that can be utilized by router device 10 to connect to a
wide area network such as the internet. While illustrated as an internet
enabled cellular telephone, data exchanger 20 is not so limited. For
example, data exchanger 20 may be a PCMCIA card or other device capable
of wireless WAN communication. Such wireless WAN communication may comply
with one or more of any number of protocols such as IEEE 802.16 and those
employed in cellular data networks. Other examples for data exchanger 20
include but are not limited to DSL modems and cable modems.

[0012]Service provider 22 represents generally any infrastructure
configured to provide internet related data services to subscribers such
as an owner of data exchanger 20. For example, where data exchanger 20 is
capable of wireless WAN communication, service provider 22 may be a
telephone service provider capable of providing voice and data services
to subscribers allowing access to internet 26. Wireless data
communications may be accomplished using any number of possible protocols
such as UMTS, GPRS, CDMA2000, GSM, CDPD, 3G, and IEEE 802.16. Where data
exchanger 22 is a DSL or cable modem configured for wired WAN
communication, service provider 22 may be a more traditional internet
service provider (ISP) providing data access to internet 26.

[0013]WAN data link 24 serves as a common communications link through
which communications are routed between internet 26 and clients 12, 14,
and 16. WAN data link 24 interconnects data exchanger 20 and service
provider 22 and represents generally any combination of a cable,
wireless, or remote connection via a telecommunication link, an infrared
link, a radio frequency link, or any other connector or system that
provides electronic communication between data exchanger 20 and service
provider 22.

[0014]In the embodiment illustrated in environment 1, device link 28
interconnects router device 10 and data exchanger 20. Device link 28
represents generally any combination of a cable, wireless, or remote
connection via a telecommunication link, an infrared link, a radio
frequency link, or any other connector or system that provides electronic
communication between devices 10 and 20. As examples, device link 28 may
incorporate a physical USB connection or radio waves carrying Bluetooth
communications.

[0015]Communication between clients 12, 14, and 16 and internet 26 is
dependent upon router device 10. Router device 10, as discussed below
with respect to FIGS. 3-5, includes an integrated user interface that
allows a user to directly modify a router state without being dependent
upon a web interface.

[0016]While FIG. 1 shows router device 10 in communication with a single
data exchanger 20, router device 10 may be configured to utilize multiple
data exchangers of various types each capable of establishing a different
WAN data link. For example, router device 10 may include multiple
physical and wireless ports of various types with each port being
configured to link router device 10 to a different type of data
exchanger. For example, some data exchangers may be configured to utilize
a router's USB and fire wire ports while others are configured to use a
router's card slot. Others can be capable of wireless interaction with
router device 10.

[0017]FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary environment 2 in which various
embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. In the example
of FIG. 2, data exchanger 20 (not shown) and router device 10 are
incorporated within the same device. Device link 32 (shown in FIG. 1) is
eliminated and replaced with internal connections. In such a scenario,
data exchanger may take the form of a card or any other device that can
be inserted into a slot or otherwise coupled to router device 10.
Alternatively, data exchanger 20 may be fully integrated into router
device 10.

[0018]Router Device: FIG. 3 is a sample illustration of the exterior of
router device 10. In this example, router device 10 includes an enclosure
27 that encases internal circuitry. Enclosure 27 provides a user
interface that includes one or more visual indicators 28 and user
controls 30. While shown as a row of lights, visual indicator 28
represent generally any device or devices that can be used to communicate
information visually to a user. An LCD display screen is one such
example. While controls 30 are shown as buttons that can be activated
when pressed by a user, controls 30 can be any component type that can
provide a detectable response when activated by a user. Such a response
may be the opening or closing of a circuit. The user interface may also
include other components such as an audible indicator capable of
communicating information audibly and a tactile indicator capable of
communicating through touch or feel.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating physical and logical
components of router device 10. As described above, router device 10
represents generally any combination of hardware and/programming capable
of directing network communications between clients and the internet via
a data exchanger such capable of wired or wireless WAN communication.

[0020]In the example of FIG. 4 router device 10 includes local network
interface 32 and data exchanger interfaces 34. Local network interface 32
represents generally any combination of hardware and/or program
instructions capable of supplying a communication interface between
router device 10 and clients 12, 14, and 16 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each
data exchanger interface 34 represents any combination of hardware and/or
programming enabling data to be communicated between router device 10 and
a particular data exchanger such as data exchanger 20 shown in FIG. 1.
For example, one or more of interfaces 34 may include a transceiver
operable to exchange network communications utilizing a wireless protocol
such as ultrawideband (UWB), Bluetooth, or 802.11. One or more of
interfaces 34 may include physical ports or other physical connection
points enabling wired communication. It is also noted that local network
interface 32 may include both wired and wireless interfaces. The wireless
interface, may for example, be an interface utilizing the Bluetooth
protocol or some other wireless protocol. The wired interface may, for
example, a series of ports physical ports such as card slots, and USB and
fire wire ports.

[0021]Router device 10 also includes connector 36, router 38,
configuration data 40, interface controller 42, and user interface 44.
Connector 36 represents generally any combination of hardware and/or
programming for sending a signal to selected one of any number of data
exchangers available to router device 10 to establish a WAN data link.
For example, where a given data exchanger is a data capable cellular
device, connector 36 may send a signal causing the data capable cellular
device to establish a wireless WAN data link with a cellular data service
provider.

[0022]Router 38 represents generally any combination of hardware and/or
programming for routing network communication received through network
interface 32 to be transmitted by data exchanger 20 to internet 26.
Router 38 is also responsible for routing inbound network communications
received from internet 26 and directed via network interface 32 to a
specified client 12, 14, or 16. Outbound and inbound network
communications, for example can be an IP (internet Protocol) packets
directed to a target on internet 26 or to a particular network device 12,
14, or 16 on a local area network.

[0023]Configuration data 40 represents a collection of data corresponding
to various state settings of router device. It is noted that
configuration data 40 is stored in one or more suitable memory devices
provided by or accessible to router device 10. For example, configuration
data 40 can include information accessible connector 36 that identifies
which, if any, of a number of available data exchangers is to be used to
establish a WAN data link. Configuration data 40 can include information
identifying users that are authenticated to access a Wi-Fi connection
supplied by local network interface 32. Configuration data 40 can include
information identifying whether that Wi-Fi communication is to be turned
off and whether or not anonymous Wi-Fi users are allowed. Configuration
data 40 can include information available to router 38 that identifies a
maximum data transfer rate. Of course, configuration data 40 can include
other pieces of information.

[0024]Interface controller 42, described in more detail below, represents
generally any combination of hardware and programming capable of
monitoring various states of router device 10, detecting a user's
activation of user controls 30, and utilizing indicator lights 28 to
communicate various states of router device 10.

[0025]User interface 44 represents generally a combination of devices
integrated into router device 10 that enable a user to provide
instructions and receive communications. In the example of FIG. 4, router
device 10 includes visual indicator 28, user controls 30, audible
indicator 46, and tactile indicator 48. In general, user interface 44
need only include an indicator that is capable of communicating
information to a user directly from router device 10 rather than through
another device coupled to router device 10. As described above, user
controls 30 can be any component type that can provide a response
detectable by router device 10 when activated by a user. Visual indicator
28 represents generally any device or devices that can be used to
communicate information visually to a user. Examples include LED lights
and an LCD or other type of display screen. Audible indicator 46
represents generally any component capable of producing an audible signal
that can be used to communicate information to a user. Tactile indicator
48 represents generally any component capable of producing a tactile
response that can be used to communicate information to a user.

[0026]Interface controller 40 is shown to include state engine 50, control
engine 52, and communication engine 54. State engine 50, represents
generally any combination of hardware and programming capable of
communicating with local network interface 32, data exchanger interfaces
34, connector 36, router 38, configuration data 40, and data exchanger 20
(FIG. 1) to monitor and control or otherwise modify various states of
router device 10. Those states can include: [0027]Power status--an
indication of whether the router is on or off; [0028]WAN status--an
indication of currently operating WAN data link and its signal strength
and an indication of other available WAN data links; [0029]LAN--an
indication of whether a particular physical LAN port is active;
[0030]Wi-Fi--an indication of whether the router is actively supporting a
wireless local network and users accessing the local wireless network;
[0031]Modem--an indication of whether the router has a functioning
connection with a data exchanger; [0032]Transfer rate--an indication of a
rate at which data is being transferred; and [0033]Battery--an indication
of an available power lever.

[0034]To monitor a given state, state engine 50 may poll configuration
data 40. State engine 50 may also poll the particular component or
components responsible or otherwise affected by that state. For example,
to monitor signal strength, state engine 50 may poll data exchanger 20
for the information via data exchanger interface 36. To monitor the
number of client devices accessing router device 10 via a wireless
interface, state engine 50 may poll local network interface 32. To
monitor the rate at which data is being transferred on data link 24,
state engine 44 may poll router 38 and/or data exchanger 20. To monitor
the power level, state engine 50 may poll power supply 42.

[0035]State engine 50 can modify the states of router device 10 in
numerous manners. In some instances, state engine 50 may access and alter
configuration data 40 and, thus, changing the behavior of other
components accessing configuration data 40 in performance of their
various tasks. In other instances, state engine 50 can provide
corresponding instruction to a corresponding component of router device
10. In other words, state engine 50 can communicate instructions to a
given component by communicating directly with that component.

[0036]As examples, state engine 50 may be instructed to activate or
deactivate a local Wi-Fi communications or a selected WAN data link. In
response state engine 50 appropriately alters configuration data 40 or
communicates instructions to connector 36 to activate or deactivate a WAN
data link or communicates with local network interface 32 to enable or
disable a local Wi-Fi communications. State engine 50 may be instructed
to activate a particular one of a number of possible WAN data links. In
response state engine 50 appropriately alters configuration data 40 or
communicates instructions to connector 36 to activate the selected WAN
data link. State engine 50 may be instructed to block a particular user
or all anonymous users from accessing the local Wi-Fi link. In response,
engine 50 appropriately alters configuration data 40 or communicates
instructions to local network interface 32.

[0037]Control engine 52 represents generally any combination of hardware
and programming capable of determining if a given user control 30 has in
fact been activated 30. For example, when a user depresses a control 30,
a circuit is closed or opened which is detected by control engine 46.
Control engine 52 identifies the particular user control 30 by
identifying the particular circuit that has been closed or opened.
Control engine 52 may also be responsible for determining a manner in
which a control or a series of controls have been activated. For example,
control engine 52 may identify when a particular group of controls have
been activated in a particular order or when a given control has been
continuously or repeatedly activated for a predetermined time. Control
engine 52 may also responsible for communicating data to state engine 50
and communication engine 54 indicating which control button or buttons
have been activated as well as the manner and order of activation. As
discussed below, communications from control engine 52 cause
communication engine 54 to communicate information to a user and also
cause state engine 50 to modify one or more states of router device 10.

[0038]Communication engine 54 represents generally any combination of
hardware and programming capable utilizing visual indicator 28, audible
indicator 46, and tactile indicator to communicate information to a user.
The communicated information notifies the user of various states of
router device 10 monitored by state engine 50. The communicated
information also enables the user to make selections utilizing controls
30 that cause state engine 50 to modify a selected state or states of
router device 10.

[0039]As described above, router device 10 has the ability to communicate
via a WAN data link. The state information communicated to the user by
communication engine 54 can include a notification of whether or not the
WAN data link is active. Through user controls 30, the user can then
cause state engine 50 to activate or deactivate that WAN data link.
Additionally, router device 10 may be capable of connecting to various
types of data exchangers 20 via a number of various data exchanger
interfaces 34. As a result, router device 10 has the ability to
communicate via a number of different WAN data links. As such the state
information communicated to the user by communication engine can include
a notification of the each WAN data links that can be activated or
deactivate. Through user controls 30, the user can then cause state
engine 50 to activate or deactivate a selected WAN data link.

[0040]The state information communicated to the user by communication
engine 54 can include a notification of whether or not Wi-Fi
communications are enabled as well as the type of Wi-Fi communications
that are allowed. For example, Wi-Fi users may be required to have an
account or anonymous access may be allowed. Through user controls 30, the
user can then cause state engine 50 to enable or disable Wi-Fi
communications and change the type of allowed Wi-Fi communication.

[0041]The state information communicated to the user by communication
engine 54 can include a notification of the number of Wi-Fi users as well
as listing of current Wi-Fi users. Through user controls 30, the user can
then cause state engine 50 to allow or block a particular Wi-Fi user. The
state information communicated to the user by communication engine 54 can
include a notification of a data transfer rate. This may include a
current transfer rate as well as a maximum data transfer rate available
to Wi-Fi users. Through user controls 30, the user can then cause state
engine 50 to modify the available transfer rate.

[0042]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary version of router device 10. In this
example, enclosure 27 incorporates user controls 30 and 30' and visual
indicators 28 and 28'. Visual indicator 28' is an LCD or other type of
display screen. User controls 30 include WAN connect 30a, Wi-Fi connect
30b, and Wi-Fi Users 30c. As described below, activation of a given user
control 30a, 30b, or 30c results in communication engine 54 utilizing
visual indicator 28' to communicate one or more states of router device
10. Utilizing user controls 30', the user is able to provide instructions
for modifying one or more of the communicated states.

[0043]In FIG. 6A, user control 30a of FIG. 5 (WAN Connect) has been
activated. As a result, communication engine 54 has caused visual
indicator 28' to display page 56. User controls 30' are shown to include
30'a, 30'b and 30'c. User controls 30'a and 30'c are used to scroll up
and down while user control 30'b is used to select highlighted
information displayed in visual indicator 28'. Page 56 includes
information for identifying and selecting a particular WAN data link.
Depending upon the particular state of that WAN data link, the section
may cause a connection to be made or it may cause a connection to be
ended.

[0044]In FIG. 6A, WAN1 58, shown as connected, is highlighted. In FIG. 6B,
a user has activated control 30'c to scroll page 56 and highlight WAN3
60. The user has also activated control 30'b to select WAN3 56. As a
result, WAN3 is now shown as connected, while WAN1 has been disconnected
and is shown as available. Referring back to FIG. 4, control engine 52
detects the activation of user controls 30'a, 30'b, and 30'c. In
response, state engine 50 causes the WAN1 58 connection to be dropped and
the WAN3 60 connection to be established.

[0045]In FIG. 7A, user control 30b of FIG. 5 (Wi-Fi Connect) has been
activated. As a result, communication engine 54 has caused visual
indicator 28' to display page 62. Page 62 includes information for
identifying and changing various states corresponding to the router's
Wi-Fi communications. In this example, through page 62 a user can enable
or disable the Wi-Fi link and enable or disable, the ability of anonymous
Wi-Fi users to utilize router device 10.

[0046]In FIG. 7A, Wi-Fi 64 has been highlighted. Selection of Wi-Fi 64
using control 30'b results in Wi-Fi communications to toggle between
disabled to enabled. In FIG. 7B, selection of Anonymous 66 using control
30'b toggles anonymous usage between disabled to enabled. Referring back
to FIG. 4, control engine 52 detects the activation of user controls
30'a, 30'b and 30'c. In response, state engine 50 causes enables or
disables Wi-Fi communication and anonymous Wi-Fi access.

[0047]In FIG. 8A, user control 30c of FIG. 5 (Wi-Fi Users) has been
activated. As a result, communication engine 54 has caused visual
indicator 28' to display page 68. Page 68 includes information for
identifying various states corresponding to the users of a router's Wi-Fi
communications. In this example, page 68 communicates the number of
current Wi-Fi users as well as a the current data transfer rate or
bandwidth being consumed by those Wi-Fi users.

[0048]In FIG. 8A a user has activated control 30'b to select Wi-Fi
connections 70 in page 68. As a result page 72 in FIG. 8B is displayed.
Page 72 communicates a listing of Wi-Fi users as well as an indication of
whether that user's Wi-Fi access is allowed or blocked. In FIG. 8B, the
user has activated controls 30'a, 30'b, and 30'c to select user b 74.
That selection results in blocking Wi-Fi access to user b.

[0049]In FIG. 8C a user has activated control 30'b to select Transfer Rate
76 in page 68. As a result page 78 in FIG. 8D is displayed. Page 78
communicates a listing of selectable maximum transfer rates through which
a user can set a bandwidth ceiling for Wi-Fi users. In FIG. 8D, the user
has activated controls 30'a, 30'b, and 30'c to select cc MBPS 80.

[0050]Operation: FIG. 9 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating steps
taken in performance of various embodiments. To route data communications
between a plurality of clients and the internet, a router device, if
possible, establishes or causes to be established a first data link to a
wide area network (WAN data link) in step 82. The router device
establishes, if possible, a second data link to a local area network (LAN
data link) in step 84. Step 84, for example can include establishing one
or more wired and wireless LAN data links between the router device and a
plurality of client devices. State information regarding the first and
second data links is communicated directly by the router device (step
86). Step 86 may be accomplished by interface controller 42 utilizing
user interface 44 (FIG. 4). For example, step 86 may involve causing an
indicator light to turn on or off, it may involve emitting a beep, or it
may involve causing a buzzing. Step 86 may also involve causing
information to be displayed in a visual indicator such as a display
screen.

[0051]If the first and second data links are established, data
communications may then be routed between the local area network and the
wide area network (step 88). It is determined if a user control on the
router device has been activated (step 90). If not, the process repeats
with step 86. If a user control has been activated, one or both of the
first and second data links are modified in accordance with the
activation of the user control (step 92). As explained above, step 90 can
involve selecting a connecting to or disconnecting a WAN data link. Where
the router device is configured to a plurality of different data
exchangers each capable of providing a different WAN data link, step 92
may include selecting a particular one of the possible WAN data links to
connect to or disconnect from. Where the local area network wireless,
step 92 could also involve enabling or disabling a Wi-Fi communications,
setting a bandwidth limit, enabling anonymous use, and blocking
individual users.

[0052]Information indicating the modification of Step 92 is then
communicated by the router device (step 94). Step 94 may be accomplished
by interface controller 42 utilizing user interface 44 (FIG. 4). For
example, step 94 may involve causing an indicator light to turn on or
off, it may involve emitting a beep, or it may involve causing a buzzing.
Step 94 may also involve causing information to be displayed in a visual
indicator such as a display screen. The process then repeats with step
88.

[0053]Conclusion: The schematic diagrams of FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate
exemplary environments in which embodiments of the present invention may
be implemented. Implementation, however, is not limited to these
environments. Embodiments may be implemented in any device having
indicator lights. The diagrams of FIGS. 3-5, 6A-6B, 7A-7B, and 8A-8D show
the architecture, functionality, and operation of various embodiments of
the present invention. A number of the blocks are defined, at least in
part, as programs or programming. Each of those blocks may represent in
whole or in part a module, segment, or portion of code that comprises one
or more executable instructions to implement the specified logical
function(s). Each block may represent a circuit or a number of
interconnected circuits to implement the specified logical function(s).

[0054]Also, the present invention can be embodied in any computer-readable
media for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system
such as a computer/processor based system or an ASIC (Application
Specific Integrated Circuit) or other system that can fetch or obtain the
logic from computer-readable media and execute the instructions contained
therein. "Computer-readable media" can be any media that can contain,
store, or maintain programs and data for use by or in connection with the
instruction execution system. Computer readable media can comprise any
one of many physical media such as, for example, electronic, magnetic,
optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor media. More specific examples
of suitable computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, a
portable magnetic computer diskette such as floppy diskettes or hard
drives, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an
erasable programmable read-only memory, or a portable compact disc.

[0055]Although the flow diagram of FIG. 9 shows a specific order of
execution, the order of execution may differ from that which is depicted.
For example, the order of execution of two or more blocks may be
scrambled relative to the order shown. Also, two or more blocks shown in
succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence. All
such variations are within the scope of the present invention.

[0056]The present invention has been shown and described with reference to
the foregoing exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood, however,
that other forms, details and embodiments may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention that is defined in the
following claims.